Now, perhaps, we won't even be able to keep them in our inside pockets, but should keep them strung on a lanyard around our necks where they can be seen by both the police marksmen and the potential muggers who would steal them.

This year in San Diego, a lot of people were wearing badges that were not clipped-on or pinned but were instead on a little lanyard around their necks.

Origin

Late Middle Englishlanyer, in the general sense 'a short length of rope or line for securing something', from Old Frenchlaniere. The change in the ending in the 17th century was due to association with yard1.